Bucknell University Athletics
Renovation & Improvement of West Fields Continues
10/8/2009 8:00:00 AM | Bison Club
Oct. 8, 2009
Photo Updates:
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Continuing the stream of impressive facility upgrades in recent years at the Bucknell West Fields complex, focus has now shifted to the Bison softball and baseball venues. This week work began on the renovation of Depew Field, highlighted by the installation of synthetic FieldTurf.
The new playing surface will be the latest in-filled, grass-like artificial turf, manufactured by FieldTurf and designed to meet baseball specifications. The surface will be similar to the FieldTurf that has been in use at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium since 2001. The FieldTurf installation began earlier this week and is being done by Clark Companies of Delhi, N.Y., which has recently installed similar fields at both Cornell University and Dartmouth College. The Bison are scheduled to play their first games on the new field this spring.
The initial stage of the renovation of both the Bucknell Softball Field and Depew Field focuses on improving the student-athlete components of the facility. Next spring, following the conclusion of the varsity playing seasons, renovations will continue with the replacement of existing dugouts, fencing, backstop systems and other facility improvements for the Softball Field and Depew Field.
Fundraising efforts to address future softball and baseball facility renovations of the fan seating areas, field lighting and scoreboards are on-going.
Recent upgrades to the athletic facilities at West Fields include the addition of Graham Field and its AstroTurf playing surface for field hockey and women's lacrosse; Emmitt Field, the home of the Bison soccer teams; and, Holmes Stadium, the double-sided grandstand and support facility for both fields that includes a covered seating area, team rooms, a press box and concession and merchandise areas.
Regular photo updates of the entire Softball/Baseball renovation project will be posted on BucknellBison.com.
